Saturday, January 4, 2014

Obesity is commonly categorized as a national crisis and an epidemic for good reason. The health risks posed by obesity affect every almost every single part of the body, and the condition has officially surpassed smoking as the number one health threat in the United States. Although emergency heart surgeries and gastric bypass make more headlines, obesity also causes many musculoskeletal problems that require the skills of an orthopedic surgeon.

Obese patients often must see an orthopedic surgeon because of knee, ankle, back or hip pain. Osteoarthritis is often the cause of this pain. Osteoarthritis a condition that historically has affected mainly elderly patients but in recent years has become common in younger adults because of obesity. Joint pain and limited joint mobility are the main symptoms of this condition, which is the wearing away of cartilage and other joint tissue. This tissue provides a buffer between bones that keeps them from grinding against one another during movement.

Osteoarthritis has long been considered a condition of the elderly because this level of wear and tear is normally achieved after many decades. However, the massive amounts of extra weight an obese person places on his or her own skeletal system far exceeds what our bodies are equipped to carry. This accelerates the degeneration of joint tissue, which results in an increase in younger people who need corrective orthopedic surgery and joint replacements.

Aside from sheer weight, lack of exercise also worsens these joint problems. Though it may be painful at first, exercise alleviates osteoarthritis symptoms by lubricating the connective tissue and strengthening the surrounding muscles to take some of the stress off of the joints. The "use it or lose it" motto popular with many older folks who have been diagnosed with arthritis should now be adopted by all at-risk overweight people. Even the small, simple exercises that can be done sitting down can be beneficial in preventing further joint deterioration.

Furthermore, operating on obese patients poses a higher risk for complications. Surgery heightens the risk of blood clots, and obese patients are several times more likely to develop blood clots both during and after surgery because of poor circulation.

Blood clots pose several deadly health risks including pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis and stroke. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot causes blockage in the lungs and can result in death. Similarly, a stroke occurs when a blood clot causes blockage in the brain and can result in coma, severe brain damage and death.

Many people seek out an orthopedic surgeon to have these procedures done electively, which is why these potentially deadly health risks should be carefully considered. However, if surgery does go well, it could be a turning point in someone's life. After having a painful joint problem fixed by an orthopedic surgeon, an obese patient may find it easier to get out and exercise. Being able to move without debilitating pain could just be the extra help someone needs to begin a healthier lifestyle.

So far we have spoken about rheumatoid arthritis. However, to inform you, there is another form of rheumatoid arthritis in the hands which is also significantly painful to you. This type of arthritis is primarily caused due to breaking down of cartilages. This leads to loss of cartilage in the joints eventually.

What is cartilage? It is mainly a protein substance which serves like a cushion between the bones of the joints. As and when this cartilage deteriorates or weakens, the bone which is placed right next to this area becomes inflamed. This can be stimulated to produce a new bone in the form of a local bony protrusion. This bony protrusion is called a "spur."

One of the most common signs of Rheumatoid arthritis is a bony deformity shaped like a knob at the smallest end of a finger joint. This bony deformity which is found is nothing but a result of the bone spurs from the Rheumatoid arthritis in that particular joint. Another very common bony knoblike joint arthritis takes place at the middle joint of our fingers. This kind of arthritis in the hands causes deformity of the hands. A finger can also be damaged due to rupture of tendons. These kinds of rheumatoid arthritis might require medical surgery. This surgery causes pain, restriction of movement, dysfunction in the body. In these cases, anti-rheumatoid drugs can be very beneficial. You must undergo a check-up if you develop incessant pains in your hands. However, rheumatoid arthritis in the hands can also be cured even at the later stage of the disease.

The moat appropriate step to take when you have rheumatoid arthritis is undergoing a through diagnosis and undergoes a long-term treatment plan. While there are many steps which are conducted here, each and every plan and treatment must be customized as per the requirements of each patient.

You can find out the cause and the type of arthritis by consulting your family doctor and seek his help immediately as soon as you detect this kind of arthritis. If you find that a through diagnosis or even a treatment is unclear to you, do not be laid back and avoid the treatment. Get a clear picture as to what is to be done and how you should go ahead with it. For this, you must need a rheumatologist.

In most cases, you need not undergo hardcore treatment for rheumatoid arthritis of the hands. This kind of arthritis needs very little treatment. However, if the symptoms increase and tend to become intolerable, only then can you take in anti-inflammatory medications and pain treatment. Often, you can or cannot include food supplements like chondroitin or glocosamine. Additionally, sometimes cold or heat application as well as some of the topical pain creams can bear fruit.

Psoriasis is a chronic recurring disease, which usually manifests on the skin but may also affect the nails, the joints (5-30% of people with psoriasis) and the mucous membranes (1-2% of people with psoriasis).

The causes of psoriasis are yet unknown, but various studies suggest that psoriasis is transferred genetically. Relatives with psoriasis are found in about 50% of the people with psoriasis. Scientists have even managed to find some genes, which seem to be responsible for the course of psoriasis and even for the development of psoriatic arthritis.

One of the main psoriasis mechanisms is the abnormally fast production of the new skin cells by the body. The dead cells then build up and create plaques composed of thick layers of dead skin.

A person with psoriasis may never develop any actual psoriasis manifestations. Psoriasis may stay in the latent stage unless it is triggered by stress, skin trauma, an infectious disease, a sudden diet change, a sudden climate change, prolonged hypothermia and other factors.

Analysis of the blood and the skin of the people with psoriasis reveal certain deviations when compared to the people without psoriasis.

One of the most notable deviations is a high level of uric acid, which is elevated by a whole 20-30% in the blood of the people with psoriasis.

According to Professor, Dr. Lubert Stryer, uric acid levels with centuries have become higher in humans as an evolutionary replacement of Vitamin C functions in order to protect humans against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is body cell damage - a result of the cell oxidation by oxygen in various chemical reactions taking place in the presence of oxygen in our bodies.

Dr. Lubert Stryer is a neurobiology professor from the Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Stryer has various noble honors, such as 2006 National Medal of Science, the American Chemical Society Award in Biological Chemistry, the Molecular Bioanalytics Award of the German Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and others.

Research shows that Lower primates (lemurs etc.) have lower uric acid levels in their blood serum when compared to the higher primates (monkeys and humans) and other long-lived mammals.

Lower primates are known to have lower life spans and higher cancer rates when compared to the higher primates.

Does that mean that the uric acid protects the higher primates from the oxidative stress resulting in cancers?

Does that mean that the people with psoriasis are protected from the oxidative stress and from the cancer even better than the rest of the people?

We don't know that for sure, but that seems to be an intriguing and an exciting hypothesis.

People with psoriasis may possess various other benefits when compared to the people without psoriasis, all resulting from the high levels of the uric acid in the blood of the people with psoriasis. These benefits may include: high protection from the degenerative Central Nervous System disorders, such as Multiple sclerosis and Schizophrenia, extended lifespan and higher levels of intellectual activity.

Prevention, as they say, is much, much better than cure itself. So to keep this going, we turn to natural sources such as herbs or vegetables and fruits because all of these are rich in vitamins and minerals which can make our whole body healthy and away from sickness. There are particular fruits and vegetables which can provide arthritis treatment or joint health problem preventions.

Fruit juices or juicing the fruits which are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals can skip the digestion process and just provide its function in keeping our body especially the joints healthy because they can be absorbed easily by our body.

Cranberries are very good as treatment for arthritis or to prevent this kind of disease to happen in your bones and joints because it has more antioxidants compared to any other kinds of fruit. We all know that antioxidants can reduce inflammations which usually happen in the joints when we have arthritis.

Ginger is a very good remedy for arthritis. It can be taken as a medicine or it can be applied to the painful area in your joints because it has a heat in it which can ease the pain being felt.

Fruits that are rich in vitamin C when taken can reduce the risk of getting a joint problem or arthritis. There was once a study proving that people who have eaten lots of fruits which are rich in Vitamin C were not likely to get arthritis when they get old.

When fruits can't take over the sickness that you feel, you can ask your doctor about supplements which can be really effective in reducing or preventing the risk of arthritis. Green lipped mussel extract is one example of a supplement which can prevent and cure arthritis because of its richness in Omega 3 which decrease or eradicate joint inflammations.

Parents should already provide their children these types of healthy foods while they are young. If they eat healthy foods while they're young, they will get used to it until they get old. Thus, it will be easier to keep them away from illnesses and diseases such as arthritis if they eat healthy.

Do not wait to be hit by sick conditions before doing something about it. Be healthy always to prevent yourself and your family from getting sick. If you find it hard to live healthy because of your busy lifestyle, just think that it will be harder if you get sick. So opt for the better choice - live healthy.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that begins with severe pain in the small joints of hands and feet, spreading to the wrists, knees, shoulders, ankles, and elbows. Overlying skin appears red and shiny. This condition affects mostly women, often beginning between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can occur at any time. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, accompanied by fatigue, low-grade fever, and poor appetite.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune reaction resulting in a chronic, inflammatory condition affecting the joints and the tissues around them. The joints them­selves become painful, swollen, unstable, and then greatly deformed. It varies in severity.

Treatment

Diet and Nutrition It is sensible to increase your intake of wholefoods, vegetables, and fiber. Reduce intake of meat, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats. A qualified nutritional therapist will check for food allergies or intolerance, such as dairy, wheat, corn, and so on, and will, perhaps, suggest daily supplementation with vitamins C (2g), E (400iu), and B complex, along with calcium pantothenate, selenium (100mg), and zinc (30mg).

Hydrotherapy Cold compresses are useful when the joints are acutely inflamed, followed by alternating hot and cold compresses.

Massage Joints can be massaged with tiger balm, lavender, and camomile oils, and Ruta graveolens cream.

Osteopathy Treatment will be to address the maintenance of body mechanics.

Healing This therapy can be beneficial.

Gout

Gout is caused by the buildup of crystalized uric acid around the joints, causing severe pain, swelling, and redness around them. It affects mainly the big toe, knuckles, knees, and elbows. An attack may be accompanied by a high fever, and repeated attacks damage bones. Gout is usually an indication that the body is not processing and removing uric acid efficiently.

Massage Oils of peppermint, lavender, camomile and geranium may be massaged into the affected area. Ruta graveolens cream may also be used. Self-mobilize the toe by gently pulling it and moving it around.

Acupressure Massage of points relating to the feet will be useful.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Herbal Medicine Celery seeds, and wintergreen teas; bladderwrack may be taken internally, or seaweed can be eaten or added to the bath. Burdock and nettle neutralize and eliminate poisons from the body. A poultice of comfrey and marigold may be useful.

Chiropractic and Osteopathy Both provide foot mobilization maneuvers to help the condition.

Arthritis, in meticulous is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), has shocking results on the human body, reasoning a lot of devastating effects as well as leaving lots of patients motionless or not able to task normally. Nevertheless, there are moreover several additional things linked with the sickness which are less famous, but as hostile. A quantity of studies accessible at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology present new information on the hazards of cardiovascular illness for RA patients, in addition to a quantity of the dangers connected with the new treatments in the region, which are just opening to come into view.

Indications of rheumatoid arthritis are characteristically most horrible in the dawn with steady reduction of symptoms all the way throughout the day. This persistent deterioration of symptoms in the dawn, particularly of rigidity in the joints, is significant analytical clue in differentiating supplementary forms of arthritis, for instance osteoarthritis as well as gouty arthritis.

Amplified heart attack risks in arthritis patients regardless of alteration in diseases supervision As accepted by the investigators, people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) contain a reduced lifespan when weighed against to citizens with identical gender as well as similar age; furthermore current studies imply that this is mainly because of amplified humanity from early cardiovascular disease, in fastidious myocardial infarction. As the medical pasture has achieved an improved understanding of arthritis, the organization of it has altered considerably in terms of medical behavior as well as treatment.

This study furthermore highlights the want for more data on whether newer management selection, for example TNF inhibitors that were launched in Europe at the opening of the millennium as well as a result did not have a noteworthy part in this reading, will encompass an outcome on cardiovascular measures for arthritis patients in the prospect.

Bigger risk of severe diseases with TNF INHIBITOR TREATMENT

As accepted by the investigators of the reading, it is before now well known that TNF inhibitor enhances the threat for intracellular illness for example TB. The risk for to a large extent more common, so far still severe, infections remains not as much of clear. Studies from medical practice have revealed diverse results, as well as taken collectively; clinical test indicates the chance for a risk boost of medical implication.

So to stay away from the risks of arthritis one should take proper precautions and monthly checkups from a doctor and you should always remember that "precaution is better than cure".

Friday, January 3, 2014

When searching for the main causes of joint replacement surgery, different types of arthritis come up time and again. If it's Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid arthritis, these main types of arthritis are the leading causes for joint replacement surgery, mainly hip, knee or wrist.

Joint replacement surgery is performed when all other treatments have failed to help the patient and the pain has become intolerable, or he can no longer function normally on a daily basis. Patients reach this situation when the cartilage, which serves as a protective cushioning between two or more bones, becomes damaged and the tissues around the joint become inflamed. With time, the cartilage wears away, allowing the bones to rub against each other.

As mentioned, surgery is never the first option in case of joint arthritis. The patient will first be treated with pain medication, physiotherapy or special activity exercises. Only when these are no longer efficient, will the orthopedist bring up the surgical options.

The most common type of arthritis that leads to joint replacement surgery is Osteoarthritis. Also known as 'degenerative arthritis', osteoarthritis referrers to the degradation of the joints (mainly hip, knee, wrist and spine) and can cause them to swell up, become red, stiffen or become more tender. These symptoms usually appear gradually. Osteoarthritis is caused mainly by the aging process but can also be triggered by injury or obesity.

Another main cause for joint replacement surgery is Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammation disease. This is an auto-immune disease mainly targeting the lining of the joints. This kind of arthritis usually causes stiffness and swelling while the inflamed lining can invade and damage bone and cartilage.

It is important to know that people live with arthritis and successfully manage the main with combined types of treatments. When it comes to rheumatoid arthritis, there are even encouraging statistics showing that small numbers of patients go into remission in the first stages of the disease. However, when symptoms start affecting the patient's day-to-day life and keep him from functioning normally, it is recommended they undergoes surgery.

The term 'Joint Replacement Surgery' incorporates different types of surgery. The main types include knee and hip replacement but the term also referrers to wrist, ankle, foot, shoulder and elbow replacement surgery. The extent of your surgery will depend on the extent of the problem and severity of the arthritis.

In a hip replacement surgery, there is a total hip or partial hip replacement, also known as Hip Resurfacing, in which only part of the joint is replaced. When there is arthritis in the knee, if not severe the orthopedic may suggest a torn meniscus surgery or knee arthroscopy (relatively minor surgeries). If the arthritis is severe, a Partial Knee Replacement operation - also might be the solution. This less invasive knee replacement requires decreased healing time and is considered less painful. The total knee replacement includes the complete removal of the entire cartilage; the partial replacement removes only the damaged area of the cartilage. The rest of the joint replacement surgeries basically have similar options of partial and total joint removal and replacements.

When consulting your orthopedic specialist about surgery, it is important to not rush in to the operation without making sure you have tried all other non-surgical treatments, what type of procedure is recommended and why and how will this specific procedure help the problem.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder which affects the skin and joints. What is usually observed are red scaly patches on the skin which are areas of inflammation. Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes on a silvery-white appearance that flakes off. These plaques frequently occur on the skin of the elbows, chest and knees, but can affect any area including the scalp and genitals. Many scholars believe that psoriasis was one of the many forms of leprosy in the Bible.

The disorder is a chronic recurring condition which varies in severity from minor localized patches to complete body coverage. Fingernails and toenails are frequently affected as well. Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, which is known as psoriatic arthritis. Ten to fifteen percent of people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis.

The cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Several factors are thought to aggravate psoriasis. These include stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. Individuals with psoriasis may suffer from depression and loss of self-esteem. As such, quality of life is an important factor in evaluating the severity of the disease. The rashes can actually subside after exposure to sunlight. Psoriasis is seen worldwide, in all races, and both sexes. Although psoriasis can be seen in people of any age, from babies to seniors, people are commonly first diagnosed in their early adult years.

How Can Essential Oils Help those who Suffer from Psoriasis?

Many oils have soothing and healing qualities for the skin. Roman Chamomile, tea tree, patchouli, helichrysum, rose, German chamomile and lavender are great single oils that may bring comfort and healing to the scaly patches of psoriasis.

The essential oil can be applied neat, that is, undiluted. Use 2-4 drops to the affected area twice daily. 6-10 drops can be added to one teaspoon of regular skin lotion and applied daily or as needed.

One more thought-those who suffer from psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, dry skin, allergies, and similar problems indicate an excessive acidic pH in the body. The more acid in the blood and skin, the less therapeutic effect the oils will have. Therefore I recommend doing a cleanse and going on an alkaline diet.

Fruits, even in the form of fruit juices, play an important role in a healthy lifestyle, particularly in the controlling of symptoms or prevention of numerous ailments and conditions. One such condition: arthritis. In this article, we shall delve into the world of the sweet and bright red fruit we have all come to love-the cherry-and how it is beneficial to those who suffer from arthritis.

Arthritis is a collection of a number of medically-defined conditions that affect the joints. Case in point, gout; gout is a form of arthritis that is caused by excess uric acid crystallizing on joints. This formation causes swelling immobility, accompanied by a great deal of pain.

It has long been accepted that cherries have anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that this is mainly because of its rich phytochemical content-particularly anthocyanins - which also happens to give the cherry its ruby-red color.

More importantly, the same anthocyanins act as pain receptors, making the cherry a natural and organic analgesic. They inhibit the enzymes cyclooxygenase 1 and cyclooxygenase 2, which block pain signals transmitted to the brain; as with a little play on words, "without the brain, there is no pain."

Being that this article is focused on cherries in liquid form (juice), it is essential to note that the effectiveness of cherry juice for arthritis depends on the purity and concentration of the juice itself. In this makeshift scale of purity, cherries mulched at home, added with nothing but pure water is the same as eating cherries in its natural form. The more non-cherry ingredients you add-sugar, flavoring, etc.-the less pure, and therefore the less effective, the cherry becomes.

Taking into consideration arthritis as a whole, the main benefits sufferers can claim from the fruit are, number one, its anti-inflammatory properties, and number two, its pain-killing properties. However, using cherries solely for its pain-killing properties could not compare to the immediate benefits of using over-the-counter pain killers. In other words, do not rely on drinking cherry juice alone for your pain. As for anti-inflammatory, taking cherry juice for arthritis is seen more as a long-term symptom-controlling supplement than a cure. Because arthritis is chronic, the pain associated with it is chronic as well; taking cherry juice regularly enables you to have a steady supply of anti-inflammatories in your body, making living with the painful condition more manageable. Always remember to drink only the purest juice you can find; as with such, it is highly recommended to make your own juice (from fresh cherries) whenever possible.

Arthritis affects almost 70 million Americans. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease in which the cartilage wears away, and rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune inflammatory condition. Also, there are other conditions that fall under the "umbrella" of arthritis including bursitis, tendonitis, low back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and so on.

The common symptom of most forms of arthritis is pain. Pain develops as a result of multiple factors including inflammation with stimulation of neural peripheral pain sensors due to either biochemical factors such as cytokines or to mechanical factors- joint deformity. Arthritis pain may be accompanied byother problems including loss of range of motion and disability.

While medicines, injections, and surgery all have their place and are valuable, there is still a need for potentially useful adjunctive modalities that might speed up recovery and reduce pain faster.

Low level therapeutic laser, better known as phototherapy, is a relatively new form of treatment. Its premise is that certain wavelengths of light have effects on living tissue. This effect is termed "photobiomodulation."

Phototherapy has been shown in experimental settings to stimulate cell growth, increase cell metabolism, improve cell regeneration, induce an anti-inflammatory response, reduce edema, reduce fibrous tissue formation, reduce levels of substance P, stimulate production of nitric oxide, decrease the formation of bradykinin, histamine, and acetylcholine, and stimulate the production of endorphins. These effects are felt to be what reduce pain.

Most cold lasers in use today use a combination of light emitting diodes and infrared emitting diodes.

Subequently, laser was found to be beneficial in a number of animal models and is till being studied as a possible tool for cartilage regeneration and healing (Lin Y, Chai CY, Yang RC. Effects of helium-neon laser on levels of stress protein and arthritic histopathology in experimental osteoarthritis. Am J Phys Med Rehab. 2004; 83: 758-765).

Data regarding the usefulness of cold laser on different conditions seen in a rheumatology office include:

Adequate clinical assessment is vital to determining whether a patient is a good candidate for laser therapy. Also, laser is a complementary therapy; it should be used in conjunction with other therapies as well. Concurrent medications, etc. should not be forgotten.

Phototherapy is FDA approved for a number of applications and has been deemed safe. It also requires relatively little time to perform. Established protocols and tissue dosages have been established that make clinical application relatively easy.

The number of sessions required varies according to disorder, length of time the disorder has been present, and the severity of the disorder.

Contraindications include pregnancy (use of the laser over the pregnant uterus), thyroid exposure, over a pediatric epiphysis, transplant patients, directly on a an active cancer, on an are where there has been a recent (within 24 hours) steroid injection, or on the chest of a patient with a pacemaker.

While cold laser is considered by some to be unproven, it appears so far to be a safe, effective mode of therapy for many rheumatologic disorders and is worth trying before subjecting a patient to more invasive and dangerous procedures.

Like human beings horses are affected by arthritis too. Pain, stiffness and swelling around the joints are some of the symptoms that are to be found in horses suffering from the same. Symptoms of horse arthritis should never be ignored and the horse should never be burdened with physical activity in such cases. It is sad to see many a promising racing and equestrian careers being affected by stress in the weight bearing joints, or dysfunctional abilities in the regular movements of the animal.

It is usually horses above the age of 15 which are especially prone to arthritis since the cartilage begins to wear out very quickly after that age. Some older horses are also affected by loosened tendons and ligaments resulting in inflammation, joint instability tremendous pain.

One should never ignore the seriousness of the disease in horses lest it may cripple the animal from regular physical activity which is vital to horses. Horse arthritis is treatable and manageable once it is detected early enough. Some common symptoms may be stiffness seen after sleep or standing for a long time, swellings on certain joints, an obvious tendency to limp after exercises or prolonged walking. At times one might notice changes in the horse's performance or general differences in the animal's behavior.

Even while administering medicines to the horses, many owners have tried to experiment with alternative processes like magnotherapy, where products related to this method of treatment are worn by the horse to help in relieving pain.

Magnotherapy products have been developed specifically for animals help in healing process apart from increasing energy levels and help reduce intense pain. By using a unique pattern of magnetic fields, these specifically designed products help the animals retain their normal activity in their daily lives. Owners should realize that while buying these products one must check on the CPR (Central Reverse Polarity) technology which simulates the pulsed field and alternating poles of an electromagnet and gives an advantage over the magnets which do not follow this kind of technology, rendering them practically useless.

Magnotherapy has the advantage of being totally non-invasive. It is quick and easy to use these products and they have no known harmful side effects have been seen. The metabolism in the animal body responds well to magnotherapy. There are many happy families who have tried an intelligent blend of regular medicines aligned with magnotherapy products to cure their animals. Products related to this therapy are available in the form of boots, tendon wraps, horse rugs, etc which are effectively used to curb the pain resulting from arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, joint and muscle stiffness, lameness, hip dysplacia, ringbone and many associated problems.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

A common ailment suffered by many people is arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, it is the leading cause of a disability in American adults and can be especially prevalent in senior citizens as their bodies age and certain functions begin to wear down. The term "arthritis" actually encompasses over 100 different types of the disease. Arthritis can be caused by many factors but generally it occurs when something out of the ordinary happens to the joint: the cartilage can be worn down from years of pressure, the body could be low on lubricating synovial fluid causing the joints to rub against each other, or some type of infection could occur that leads to arthritis.

The main types of arthritis that affect senior citizens include osteoarthritis (loss of cartilage elasticity, often due to age), rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints that can become aggravated), and septic arthritis (infection in the synovial fluid caused by bacteria or a virus). Arthritis sufferers can experience debilitating pain and a decrease in their quality of life. The Arthritis Foundation Pain Center states that the causes of pain are inflammation, damage to the joint tissues, fatigue, and stress or depression caused by the disease.

There are many types of treatments and therapies for arthritis. Medications include NSAIDs, either over the counter or prescription strength, aspirin, medications used to fight malaria, anti inflammatory steroids, and sulfa derivatives. For those with minor pain, ice packs or heating pads can relieve pain, and frequent massages can help alleviate pain. Physical therapy can help people maintain the mobility of their joints and encourage the use of muscle strength to prevent any further breakdowns in the body. Occupational therapy can teach arthritis sufferers to use their bodies effectively for everyday activities with less stress on their joints.

Body weight can also affect arthritis, so it is in the best interest of arthritis sufferers to maintain a healthy body weight and have a proper, nutritious diet. Stress and over activity can also make arthritis worse, so the inclusion of relaxation and positive thinking can do wonders to help relieve arthritis pain. For those who are caregivers, making sure that their patient adheres to any physical therapies or medication treatment is essential to monitoring and managing the disease. Encouraging healthy food choices and exercise is also beneficial.

Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are many resources that provide help and information about the disease including the Arthritis Foundation.

Osteoarthritis, the commonest form of arthritis affects the knee joint most often in India. Elderly afflicted by this chronic painful disease need joint replacements as a permanent solution to improve their quality of life and put an end to disabling pain. However it is increasingly common to see many young people also suffer from the earlier manifestations of the disease. In this group alternate solutions have to be recommended considering the age, increased demands like participation in sports and work. Joint replacements cannot obviously be a solution to young men and women.

Osteoarthritis is a age related wear of Articular cartilage which covers the end of the long bones in a joint. It is smooth, elastic, shining tissue. It is responsible for lubrication, shock absorption, and pain-free movements. Unlike other tissues of the body, it has limited capability of regeneration and repair as it has no blood supply and nerve supply. This limited repair capacity decreases with aging and leads to depletion in the arthritis knee. Pain and stiffness ensue, necessitating medication or surgery.

Osteoarthritis does not involve the whole of the joint to begin with. A localized area of cartilage damage called a lesion is the precursor and harbinger of the disease. If left untreated, lesions greater than 1. 5 cm will lead to arthritis after 15 years.

Some generalized and local conditions predispose to early cartilage damage. These are mechanical, chemical, and biological. Occupations, Obesity, mal-alignment or structural damage can predispose to cartilage damage.

Ligaments and menisci stabilize the knee. Menisci dissipate stresses, help in lubrication, increase joint conformity and confer additional stability. The ligaments inside the joint are called the cruciate ligaments. These are torn in many sports, or two wheeler accidents. An ACL injury is the commonest ligamentous injury. Unrepaired ACL's lead to further tearing of the menisci and both in association can lead to osteo-arthritis.

Meniscal tears can occur in isolation in sports or domestic accidents. After the importance of the menisci was realized and arthroscopic surgery came into vogue, attempts are made to resect and remove only the damaged portion of the menisci and preserve the rest. However, it is not always possible to do so as the damage is beyond repair and a total or subtotal Menisectomy is necessary. Such knees are also predisposed to develop secondary osteoarthritis (occurring in younger persons at an earlier age) cf Primary osteoarthritis which occurs in the elderly.

Some people have deformities around the knee. These may be situated in the thigh bone or leg bone. Normally in the standing position, there should be no gap between the inner side of the knee and ankle joint. If a gap exists between the knees, then the person has bow legs (Genu varum) and if a gap exists between the ankles, then the legs diverge at the ankle, causing knock knees (Genu valgum). Both these deformities can lead to one sided wear of the knee joint and arthritis in one half of the knee.

Surgical solutions are available to prevent or treat early arthritis. These alternatives avoid knee pain from arthritis.

These knee reconstructive procedures attempt to restore the anatomy of the joint and are mainly of a biological nature. They do not involve joint replacement. Examples are

1) Knee ligament reconstruction- ACL reconstruction is possible through tiny key-hole incisions (arthroscopic surgery). Graft is taken from the patient's own body (autograft) or from a brain dead person, (allograft). This tendon graft is threaded through bony tunnels in the leg and thigh bones and is fixed with screws, buttons or other devices.

2) Meniscal suture- This is a procedure in which attempt is made to suture a torn meniscus if situated in a suitable position. Concomitant ACL reconstruction is required if there is an injury to this ligament also. This is done through arthroscopic surgery.

3) Meniscal transplant- This procedure is to be introduced shortly. In this menisci are harvested from the knee joints of brain dead living donors or non heart beating donors. These are preserved and then grafted into the damaged knee.

4) Reparative cartilage procedure are available to salvage localised cartilage defects and prevent their progression to extensive involvement. These are microfracture wherein small holes are made in the raw area to generate a super clot and in growth of fibro cartilage. In mosaicplasty, cartilage plugs are harvested from non weight bearing portion of the knee and re-implanted into the lesions.

5) Corrective osteotomy- Mal-aligned joints can be corrected by an osteotomy (division of bone). After this surgery, stresses across a joint are distributed more evenly excess wear from one half of the joint is minmized. This again prevent rapid progression of osteoarthritis and can postpone the need for a replacement.

These surgical alternatives are available in Chennai to treat painful knees in young people and prevent progression to arthritis. By availing these alternate surgical procedures where one is indicated, one can preserve and continue with natural cartilage and postpone or avoid joint replacement by a decade or more.

Do you suffer from severe knee pain, stiffness and immobilization in your knee that affect your ability to do things? Does the knee pain remains painful despite taking physiotherapy, steroid injections, doing exercise, and using walking supports? Well, it sounds you are a candidate for total knee replacement surgery.

There are several medical conditions that may lead to the need of knee replacement surgery, and arthritis is the most common among them. Genetics, developmental abnormalities, some form of injury and obesity are the other contributing factors.

Patients who have tried and failed the non-surgical means to get respite from knee pain such as weight loss, lifestyle modifications, anti-inflammatory medicines or cortisone injections, all to no avail, can greatly benefit from knee replacement surgery.

Overview

Also known as knee arthroplasty, this surgical procedure is performed to replace the severely diseased or damaged surfaces of the arthritis knee with an artificial metal or plastic part called 'implant' or 'prosthesis'. These man-made (artificial) prosthetic devices are shaped to allow continued motion of the knee.

There are two main types of surgeries for replacing the damaged knee - Unicondylar / Partial Knee Replacement (UKR/PKR) and Total Knee Replacement (TKR).

The latest statistics presented this year at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) show that more than 4.5 million people in the United States are living with a total knee replacement. By some estimates, approximately 130,000 replacement surgeries are carried out annually in the United States.

Surgical Overview

Also called total knee arthroplasty, total knee replacement is an ideal option for people with severe destruction of the joint of the knee, causing significant pain, stiffness and impaired function of the knee.

It is a major yet highly successful surgical procedure which involves replacement of all three compartments of the knee- the medial (inside of the knee), the lateral (outside of the knee) and the patellofemoral (the front of the knee).

In this surgery, bone surfaces of the knee and cartilage that have been damaged by arthritis are removed and replaced with artificial surfaces (implants) made of metallic and plastic materials that function similar to a healthy knee.

Advantages

A successful total knee replacement offers tremendous benefits and can vastly enhance the quality of your life.

The problems of instability, disability and restricted mobility of the knee are completely alleviated through this surgery.

The surgery provides the patient with a considerable reduction or even elimination of pain. Following the surgery, the patients can largely restore range of motion of the knee.

The pain-free knee allows patients to retain a wide range of daily activities, including climbing stairs, shopping and getting in and out of chairs, thus enabling them to lead a normal life

The patient will experience improved muscle strength and improved alignment of deformed joints following the surgery.

Artificial knee may last for a long time. About 95% of knee replacements last 15 years or longer, thanks to the latest technologies.

Disadvantages

Blood clots in the legs can develop, which can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) that can further cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and even shock.

Other risks of total knee replacement include urinary tract infection, nerve damage, and blood vessel injury.

Nausea and vomiting, swelling, chronic knee pain and stiffness, and bleeding into the joint of the knee are some complications one can experience following the surgery.

Furthermore, infection of the knee may occur in some cases, requiring hospital admission and re-operation.

One of the biggest disadvantages of total knee replacement is its cost. Getting total knee replacement may make you dig deep into your pockets. The cost of the surgery, however, varies depending on the surgeon's experience and skill, the type of implant, the extent of the surgery, the hospital, medications, special tests and your insurance coverage.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis vary depending on factors such as lifestyle, age, etc. Preventing further deterioration of cartilage and osteoarthritis pain relief are two of the main goals of treatment. Find out the expert facts on the best treatment methods in this article.

Pain is a common characteristic in all the types of arthritis. Therefore, a proper diagnosis should be done by a doctor before the use of any medication. Progressive stiffness without fever and pain are some of the early symptoms of osteoarthritis, but they are also found in other types of arthritis.

Among the symptoms of osteoarthritis, pain free intervals are also seen for a temporary period which may last even up to a few years, while there are others who do not find even the slightest osteoarthritis pain relief for a single day.

Among the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis, is joint pain after repetitive use. It occurs due to the grinding of joints as a result of destruction in the cartilage that plays the role of a shock absorber. For example, the occurrence of knee pain that is not associated with any sprain, injury, etc. for those who have a history of mountain climbing, heavy sports, etc. is a common example of osteoarthritis.

The pain generally worsens with the passage of the day. Among the symptoms of osteoarthritis that occurs in weight bearing joints such as hips, ankles, knees etc. a limping outward curvature is seen.

A "joint replacement" operation is suggested when the cartilage has deteriorated to such a point that no osteoarthritis pain relief is found even during period of rest. In fact, osteoarthritis is the biggest reason for knee replacement in USA.

In the spine, symptoms of osteoarthritis include neck and low back pain. In osteoarthritis of the big toe, painful swelling of the bursa of the first joint or bunions are seen.

In osteoarthritis of finger joints, the joints become swollen and enlarged. Even simple tasks such as buttoning a shirt also become difficult in advanced stages of the disease.

Most people often use over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen for osteoarthritis pain relief. But, care should be taken that it can cause heart diseases in the form of side effects. Other prescription based pain relievers also have a lot of serious side effects.

Omega-3 fatty acids and green lipped mussel extract found in New Zealand form part of the best natural treatment for effective osteoarthritis pain relief. It has no side effects and in fact is very beneficial for vital body functions and overall health. Their benefits include improved cardiovascular health, brain health, radiant skin, better digestive system and many more.

Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce joint stiffness, pain and inflammation, improve grip strength and help to enhance joint mobility in osteoarthritis patients. Unfortunately, the average Western diet has become highly deficient in Omega 3 fatty acids, which have natural anti-inflammatory properties and play an excellent role in the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Research studies also show that omega-3 fatty acids inhibit the functioning of those enzymes that play a role in destroying cartilage. In this way, they prevent any further deterioration in the cartilage cushions. Fish oil supplements are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Regular exercise and light physical activity, proper weight maintenance, adequate rest and a healthy diet with purified high quality fish oil omega-3 supplements can help to alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis and prevent it from occurring and serve as the best means of osteoarthritis pain relief naturally.

Contrary to popular belief arthritis does not only develop in elderly people. It can affect anyone of any age, including children. In a recent study, The American College of Rheumatology estimated that 1 in every 1000 children will develop a condition called juvenile arthritis. Even then, the different types of arthritis that children will develop are vast making it impossible to prevent. Some of the most common types of juvenile arthritis are:

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

One of the most common types of arthritis affecting children is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). It is also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis and the symptoms are joint pains and stiffness - very similar to adult arthritis. The symptoms in JRA however are apparent before the child reaches 16 years old. Treatment varies from child to child due to the varying severity of symptoms between children.

Systemic Onset JRA

This is another common form of juvenile arthritis and is one of the types of arthritis that can usually start off as a mild fever reaching temperatures of over 103 degrees. The fever will come and go in the early stages. It is commonly found that the fever will appear alongside a rash that also comes and goes. The resulting systemic JRA often does not happen when the fevers and rashes start but actually many years later. There are always exceptions however, and there are examples of cases where the arthritis pain was present at the same time as the fevers. Sytemic JRA not only affects joints by inflaming them, but it also can inflame the child's internal organs too. In many cases of systemic JRA, the child is anemic with a high white blood cell count. Treatment of this type of arthritis involves painkillers, other topical drugs, dietary monitoring and regular exercise.

Pauciarticular JRA

This is a relatively uncommon type of arthritis in children and less than half of all children who suffer from arthritis experience it. It tends to appear in more girls than boys but the reason for this is unknown. Pauciarticular JRA usually affects less than five joints in the entire body of the child. One side affect appears to be irreparable visual damage or recurring eye problems. Children who develop this form of arthritis under the age of 7 actually have the highest chance of full recovery.

Polyarticular JRA

This type of JRA is very similar to the Pauciarticular JRA above with the main difference being that it affects more than five joints in the body. This can affect children of any age. It mimics adult rheumatoid arthritis and is regularly treated in the same way; through the improvement of the child's diet, regular exercise, drugs, check ups and keeping as close to the child's ideal body weight as possible.

Large numbers of people may, at some point in their life, become afflicted with arthritis or joint inflammation. There are different types of arthritis and many people as they grow older may suffer from osteoarthritis which is caused by general wear and tear and breaks down the cartilage, eventually wearing it away. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis which attacks the lining of the joints and can be extremely painful. Less well known is psoriatic arthritis which eats away at the joints. Arthritis can be a miserable condition; unfortunately many of the drugs that are used to treat arthritis can make life miserable in other ways. Alternative treatments rarely have the sort of side effects as these medications yet these can be an effective way of treating the pain and inflammation of arthritis.

If you suffer from any form of arthritis you will probably be reduced to taking drugs to help with the pain and reduce the inflammation. Doctors will prescribe different types of medication depending on which type of arthritis you may have. Some of these drugs can have nasty side effects which have led to an increasing number of people to search for a more natural solution to their problems. Some people swear by Glucosamine for relief from painful and swollen joints. Glucosamine is just one of the ingredients in a break through natural health product called Flex Protex.

There are many natural ways of achieving better health, including changing your diet, getting gentle nut regular exercise or by using some form of natural health substance such as Flex Protex. This treatment is derived from a range of different, natural ingredients, yucca for example which was a favorite healing plant of Native Americans. Flex Protex can help ease the pain and stiffness in your joints, especially the type of stiffness that many of us encounter in late middle age. The anti-oxidant properties of Flex Protex also work to slow the signs of aging and the some of the discomforts that accompany it.

Natural products do not contain the same type of harmful ingredients that some over the counter and prescribed drugs may have and can be taken alongside prescription drugs. Whatever type of natural healing methods you want to use you should always obtain your doctor's advice and work along with them while you are taking the supplements. To gain the most benefit from Flex Protex you should include it as part of a generally healthy lifestyle. Some people find that cutting back on dairy products can help, this is because too much of a good thing can cause acid crystals to develop in the body and they form faster than the body can deal with them. These crystals add to the pain and discomfort of arthritis. Taking a natural remedy such as Flex Protex while paying careful attention to your diet will help to alleviate the stiffness and pain of arthritis.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Most people who experience the pain of arthritis are unaware of the connection between pain and sugar. This is rarely if ever mentioned by medical practitioners. But it is a simple question of bio chemistry.

David Gillespie in his book sweet poison refers to sugar as a poison to our system and is the number one block to weight loss.

It is important to understand which sugars are a problem. Basically all carbohydrates break down to sugar when metabolised. It doesn't matter whether it is candy or potato in the end it's all the same.

But it is the rate that this breakdown occurs that is of interest to the arthritis sufferer.

Sugar rich foods can be broken down into two groups. Healthy carbohydrates and junk carbs.

Junk carbs include cake, cookies, chocolate, candy, pastries, soft drink or sodas, cordial, you get the picture. There is not much room for misunderstanding what a junk carb is. If you are honest with yourself you will be clear about junk carbs.

This group of carbohydrates are to be avoided, the sugar is rapidly absorbed, this sugar is directly directed into a biochemical pathway which results in pro-inflammatory chemicals being produced, which result in pain.

The second group of carbohydrates is broadly defined as healthy. This includes staples such as bread rice, spaghetti, potato and noodles, grains, and dairy products. Plus fruit and vegetables.

The staples can further be divided into fast and slow absorbers. Potato, white rice and white bread all digest quickly and release their sugars into the blood stream at much the same rate as junk carbs. These foods should be eaten sparingly.

Spaghetti, oats, basmati rice are the best of the staples. But they should still be eaten in quantities less than found in the usual American and Australian diets.

Fruits are fine but should only be consumed as whole fruit, just two to three pieces per day. Fruit juices contain a huge amount of fruit sugar. They are a meal in themselves.

Vegetables are in fact the best of the carbohydrates. With the exception of potatoes. Green leafy vegetables and sweet potato are the best meal choices.

Dairy products can also be good and bad. On the one hand you have milk and plain natural yoghurt, on the other you have sweetened yoghurt and flavoured milks, the latter being bad arthritis choices.

Have a look in your pantry. How much processed, package foods do you have. To give yourself the best chance to relieve your pain, stick with the good carbs and dump the junk.

Psoriasis is a non-contagious chronic disorder that usually manifests in the genetically predisposed individuals in a form of scaly plaques on the skin.

The exact causes of psoriasis are unknown, but multiple studies show that some genes, which are transferred genetically from the parents, may predispose to the appearance of psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis in particular.

2-3% of the world population has psoriasis.

People with psoriasis often experience inferiority complexes due to their skin psoriasis manifestations. The insufficient public awareness as well as the psoriasis resemblance to some other contagious diseases, such as a ring warm, may cause a person with psoriasis to be stared at by the people without psoriasis.

Even though psoriasis brings a lot of discomfort to the psoriasis sufferers, psoriasis seems to also bring certain important benefits.

Recently I have carried out an extensive research to see if there were any beneficial deviations in the people with psoriasis when compared to the people without psoriasis.

I have discovered that the most notable deviation is the high level of uric acid in the blood serum of the people with psoriasis, which is around 30% higher than in the blood serum of the people without psoriasis.

Scientists suggest that the uric acid possesses natural stimulating properties for the Central Nervous System, similar to that of caffeine. Uric acid by its chemical composition is also similar to caffeine.

Caffeine is one of the artificial stimulants of the Central Nervous System. When I say artificial, I mean that caffeine does not naturally occur in our bodies. Caffeine found in plants, such as coffee, cocoa and tea, and it is consumed with foods or beverages. Caffeine is a stimulant for the Central Nervous System in humans and other animals.

The main difference between the caffeine and uric acid is that uric acid, unlike caffeine, is a substance produced naturally by our bodies themselves.

Scientists have long ago revealed that uric acid possesses a natural stimulating effect on the Central Nervous System, capable of improving the intellectual and the physical activity of a human.

Multiple studies have shown that that people with high levels of uric acid also have a higher level of intellectual activity and a faster perception-reaction response.

What benefit does the high level of uric acid possess for the people with psoriasis? May high uric acid levels provide the people with psoriasis with a 100% natural stimulant, similar to the one which hundreds of millions of people consume on a daily basis in the form of coffee and tea?

Of course, those are merely my own hypotheses, but my conclusions have some reliable grounds in the form of various studies.

People with psoriasis should learn, that they may possess certain benefits when compared to the other people, such as a higher level of intellectual and physical activity, possible protection from the degenerative Central Nervous System disorders, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Schizophrenia, a possible protection from a stroke, and a possibly extended lifespan.

There are many types of arthritis, in fact more than 100 are known and documented, but the most common is a type of degenerative arthritis known as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is also sometimes called wear and tear arthritis, as a result of the common factors that cause this disease.

Over time, daily activities, injuries, and certain high risk sports or activities cause the joints in the body to wear down, typically as the result of loss of cartilage. When this happens, the joints rub together and simple movements can become much more painful. The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, typically affects joints that are weight bearing the most, including the knees and hips. However, any joint can be affected by the disease and it is common for the disease to be found in the hands and feet.

One of the most significant differences of osteoarthritis and the other common form of senior arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, is that osteoarthritis will commonly only affect one joint in a pair, where rheumatoid arthritis will usually affect all similar joints. So, for instance, in someone with osteoarthritis, it is common for the degenerative arthritis to only be found in one of their hands and not the other. In part, this is due to the fact that wear and tear are the biggest risk factors of this type of mobility related disorder.

The symptoms of this type of degenerative disease most commonly result in limited mobility and joint pain. Morning and night pain, which can last for about half of an hour, is quite common and it is often the worse in the evening. Activities can aggravate this type of joint pain.

It is also common for bone spurs to develop around the joint, as well as for small pieces of bone to break off and cause further irritation. Part of this is due to cartilage being lost in the joint, so the added layer of protection from it is removed.

Diagnosing any type of arthritis can often be difficult, as there is no specific test that is always going to be accurate. However, often by learning about the patients symptoms and preforming x-rays of affected joints, later stage osteoarthritis can be diagnosed. Blood work and other tests may also be preformed.

Treating osteoarthritis, as well as other types of arthritis, usually is focused on making life easier for the patient, as the effects of the disease are not reversible. So, pain management, reduction of swelling, and reducing inflammation is often a big part of treatment. However, it is also sometimes possible to keep the disease from getting worse, so this is also an important factor during treatment.

The patients diet and activity level are very important and, with many of those who are obese developing this type of arthritis, weight reduction can also significantly reduce joint pain. Studies have shown that safe exercises, which do not put a lot of stress on the joints, can have a major impact on health and joint discomfort, so things like swimming or walking can be powerful tools too.

This type of arthritis is the most common among seniors and can have a major impact on their health, as well as all of their daily activities.

Don't be so quick to self-diagnose. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome produces a variety of symptoms that range from mild to extreme. Usually the discomfort worsens over time.

But it's entirely possible that you have something else.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(CTS) patients report numbness, tingling and burning sensations in their thumb and fingers. Pain also can develop in the arm and shoulder. Swelling of the hand increases at night.

However, diagnosis can be difficult since so many other conditions mimic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. One of the most common includes "Thoracic Outlet Syndrome," which is the compression of nerves or blood vessels in the brachial plexus - the nerve fibers running from the spine through the neck, armpit and into the arm.

Another is "Cubital Outlet Syndrome," the compression of a key nerve in the elbow. Also high on the list of conditions which mimic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(CTS) ?are tendinitis and arthritis.

Then, there's "Guyon's Canal Syndrome," which is similar. It, too, results from overuse of the wrist from heavy gripping, twisting, and repeated wrist and hand motions. It can also happen from working with the hand constantly bent down and outward. It occurs in weight-lifters, jackhammer operators and people using crutches.

The symptoms should sound familiar.

The sufferer has the sensation of pins and needles in the ring and little fingers, often in the early morning. As the problem worsens, it may develop into a burning pain in the hand and wrist, followed by numbness in the affected fingers. The patient may become weak and clumsy when trying to pinch the thumb and forefinger or spread all five fingers.

Then there are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and fiber myalgia. None of them should be ignored. Untreated lupus can lead to kidney failure. Untreated rheumatoid arthritis will worsen with serious damage to joints and bones.

Rheumatoid arthritis' symptoms include tenderness and swelling around the joints - as well as increasing pain, fever, redness, fatigue and weight loss.

Lupus has many of the same warning signs, particularly joint pain. However, lupus patients also experience facial rashes, mouth sores, bruising, chest pain and breathing difficulty. Other diseases that mimic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include tendonitis, bursitis, sprains, dislocations and gout.

When most people think about arthritis, they largely associate it with the elderly. There is some factual basis to this assumption, as the disease is by far most common among senior citizens. However, it can actually affect people of all ages, including very young children. It is also common for people to think of arthritis as a single disease, but it actually encompasses more than 100 different diseases, many of which are quite different.

While there are over a hundred types of arthritis and some of them affect the body in vary different ways, there are also a number of symptoms that are common across the different kinds of arthritis. The disease typically affects the various joints in the body, commonly causing inflammation, swelling, and general stiffness in the affected joints. Among senior citizens, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, often affecting the knees.

In addition to symptoms that affect mobility and the joints, causing general movement issues, there are also a number of other symptoms. This includes fever, extreme tiredness, hunger, weight loss, dry eyes, and Crepitus. Crepitus, is a condition where simple movements result in a crackling or popping sound coming from the joints. This is one reason that people often associated cracking ones fingers with arthritis, as they do share similarities, although in the case of cracking fingers, it is not a direct cause of arthritis.

It is most common for arthritis to affect joints, but certain types of arthritis can also affect the joints and cause skin issues, like rashes or scaly lesions on the body. It is also often related to chronic pain, with people experiencing pain in a number of parts of their body.

While osteoarthritis is the most common type of elderly arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is more common among children. In fact, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis affects over 300 thousand children a year. While Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis shares the same name as Rheumatoid Arthritis, it is actually quite different among children. To help clear up this confusion, it is often also referred to as Juvenile Chronic Arthritis or Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

A Quick Look at Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are actually 3 different sub-categories of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, including Pauciarticular, Polyarticular, and Systemic arthritis.

These, again, will share some similarities with each other, but the main difference is that in Pauciarticular, at most four joints are affected by the disease. However, in Polyarticular five or more joints are affected and in Systemic arthritis, rashes and damage to organs develops. Systemic arthritis is most common among younger children between the age of one and six, while Polyarticular is the most common type of juvenile arthritis. While Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is the most common type of arthritis to affect children, it is not the only type of juvenile arthritis.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) there are three types of arthritis. Doctors classify juvenile arthritis based on the number of joints affected, the symptoms and the presence of antibodies in the blood.

1- Pauciarticular- is called this way because only one joint is usually affected.Affect girls under the age of 8The knee, ankle or wrist are most commonly affected The fingers and toes are rarely affectedThe symptoms are very mildOccasionally three or four joints may be involved The eyes have to be checked periodically to prevent blindness due to persistent eye inflammation

2- Polyarticular - four or five joints may be involvedAbout 30% of children suffer this type of arthritisGirls are most commonly affectedChildren with the IgM antibody have the most severe form of this disease

3- Systemic- a fever of at least a 102 degrees a day during two weeks suggest this type of juvenile arthritis. Symptoms include joint pain swelling and stiffness Inflammation of the heart,liver,lymph nodes and spleenA few children develop adult arthritis

CauseAccording to the AAOS juvenile arthritis is an autoimmune disease. No one knows exactly the cause. Juvenile Arthritis is not a hereditary disease.The joint becomes inflamedThe joint stiffensThe joint's growth is changed

HistoryThe first case of Juvenile Arthritis dates back to 1879 and it's considered a relatively modern disease.

PrognosisThe evolution of Juvenile Arthritis may be good if the following guidelines are followed.The British Journal of Nutrition in the year 2000 reported a potential link between unhealthy fats and increased pain and stiffness in people with arthritis. They blamed it on a substance called nitrites used to cure and preserve various meats. Saturated fats are found in fatty red meats, dark meat poultry,whole milk,creme, cheese and tropical oils.

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory form of arthritis, affecting almost two million Americans. It is a chronic, complex, autoimmune, systemic disease for which there is no known cure as of yet. It is characterized by joint inflammation and joint damage that eventually leads to functional disability causing significant limitations with activities of daily living.

From many pieces of data, it is known that RA is also associated with a reduced life span as a result of its systemic effects. The most significant source for this shortened life span is the cardiovascular complications that can arise, such as heart attack and stroke. Other organ systems such as the lungs, eyes, bone marrow, peripheral nervous system, and others also can be affected and be responsible for excessive morbidity.

In addition to the above-mentioned health complications, RA also results in lost work productivity. In fact, one study showed that more than one-third of patients with RA were work-disabled after having had their disease for more than 10 years.

In recent years, the concept of treat-to-target has become the treatment approach of choice for patients with RA.

The use of the treat-to-target approach has been bolstered by the new 2010 criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism were developed in order to make the diagnosis of earlier disease a priority. The older criteria from 1987 used irreversible x-ray changes as a criterion. By the time x-ray changes occur, it is evident now, the "horse is out of the barn."

In this treat-to-target model, newly diagnosed patients are started on therapy with an intensive regimen of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs such as methotrexate along with biologic drugs. The patient is then monitored closely at monthly intervals with adjustments in medications made until the patient is in remission.

There are a number of validated methods for objectively measuring patient progress. These include the Disease Activity Score or DAS 28 and the Clinical Disease Activity Index.

It has been demonstrated that this aggressive approach leads to less in the way of imaging changes seen on both x-ray as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is no surprise that patients treated in this fashion reach lower levels of disease activity and have an improved quality of life.

So while the search for a cure remains, the potential for putting a patient with new onset RA into remission is not only a goal, it is a real probability.

While many think of arthritis as only affecting the elderly, it is in fact a threat to persons at any age.

There are a number of markers, such as family history and genetic makeup, that have been tied to arthritic conditions, although heredity is no guarantee that you will or will not experience these conditions.

In simple terms, arthritis is a condition where the joints connecting bones together are damaged. However, the term arthritis is very vague. This disease actually represents over one hundred medical conditions that affect both children and adults. The two most common types are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

This type of arthritis is commonly seen in athletes. Often, this joint damage results from high impact activity. However, those that are overweight may also find themselves diagnosed with this condition as a result of the added strain that excess body weight puts on the joints. OA causes pain in the knees, neck, back, hips and hands. Bones are able to rub against each other when the cartilage separating them begins wearing away. This friction results in pain and tenderness. Joints may also develop spurs, dense spots or lumps on the edge of joints that are often very painful. Along with spurs, thickened or stiffened ligaments may occur, preventing essential fluid motion through the affected area.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA affects joints in the hands and feet. In this case, the body attacks healthy tissue and damages the lining of these joints, causing swelling, stiffness and pain.

Coping and Prevention

Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis, only tools for prevention and treatment of symptoms. For example, walking is a great way to accomplish better posture, which will help keep your bones aligned properly. Mobility exercises and stretching are also very important to aid in reducing stiffness in the joints. Never sit for too long, remain in the same positions or write for more than fifteen minutes without taking a small break. When taking a long car or plane trip, it is important to walk every hour.

As with most illnesses, watching your weight and what you eat is very important in controlling arthritis. Extra weight puts stress on your body, and excess fat cells release chemicals which often cause inflammation.

Medications

If the pain cannot be managed with over the counter medications, then prescriptions medications from your doctor may be the answer to managing your condition. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) target the enzyme in joint inflammation and can relieve pain. Some of these medications include: Aspirin, Naproxen and Ibuprofen, all of which are available over the counter. Cox 2 Inhibitors are the prescription level NSAIDs; these medications are easier on the stomach but may have negative effects on the heart.

Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs can actually limit the amount of joint damage if caught in time. They slow the disease and are usually taken with NSAIDs or Corticosteroids. These drugs may adversely affect your immune system in order to subdue inflammation, so check with the doctor as this may leave you vulnerable to other infections.

Arthritis can be managed to some degree. A doctor's recommendation should always be sought after in regards to medications, especially when taking additional drugs. Staying positive and active is one of the best treatments, although making sure this exercise is manageable and low impact is also important. Knowledge about the subject will help both the individual and support system understand what is happening and how best to cope.

We have all heard that salt is not good for you and you shouldn't use so much. In fact table salt is 97.5% sodium chloride and 2.5% chemicals such as moisture absorbents, and iodine. It is refined and processed and has very little to do with the actual salt that is produced naturally.

This highly processed salt stores excess fluid in the body's tissues. For every gram (0.035 oz) of sodium chloride that your body cannot absorb, your body uses twenty-three times the amount of valuable cell water to neutralize this salt. The body then re-crystalizes table salt using animal proteins which is available to your body and these cannot be broken down or eliminated. The next step is that these proteins produce uric acid to get rid of the excess salt. This uric acid stays in the body and binds with sodium chloride to form new crystals which are deposited directly into the bones and joints and this is what can cause different forms of arthritis and gout and also gall bladder and/or kidney stones. The answer to this dilemma can be salt! Not your processed table salt though. Himalayan salt crystals were formed over 250 million years ago under enormous pressure. These natural salt crystals can balance your body and also detoxify it. They are available at health food stores and are relatively inexpensive considering how amazing they are for your body.

One of the most basic applications is to drink one teaspoon of sole (salt solution) in a glass filled with good quality drinking water. Best taken on an empty stomach, I drink it every day upon wakening. The sole (salt solution) is easy to make and maintain. Just put several of the Himalayan salt crystals in a glass container and add good quality water until the container is full. If, after 24 hours the crystals have dissolved completely, just add a few more crystals, until the water can no longer absorb any more salt crystals - i.e. the crystals will sit at the bottom without dissolving. This means that the solution is saturated at 26%. Every day put 1 teaspoon of this solution in a glass of water and drink this on an empty stomach.

This will balance your body. It is only when the body is in balance that it is ready to neutralize disease. This is a great way to ensure that you are doing the best for your body, and it is cheap and easy to do. Another option is to immerse a clean cotton towel into the sole solution, wring it out a little and apply directly to sore joints. Cover this with a dry towel to keep the moisture in. You will find it very soothing for joint pain.

Also the good news is that you can also buy this Himalayan salt ready crushed to use as table salt. You will find it slightly pink in color and it has a great taste. After using this for a while, you will never want to go back to the harsh taste of table salt ever again.

The anatomy of the foot is complex. And this complexity is also responsible for the eventual development of pain. The action of taking a step is a stereotypical process. The first is heel strike, then foot flat to the surface, then mid-stance, followed by heel lift and finally toe off. Any disturbance in this sequence will lead to mechanical dysfunction and pain.

The foot consists of 22 bones each "coated" with a layer of cartilage so that each interacts with the others in true joint fashion. The foot is divided into three sections: the forefoot (ball of the foot and toes), the mid-foot, and finally the hind foot which actually is part of the ankle.

This entire complex is supported by numerous ligaments and muscles.

In evaluating the motion of the foot, it is evident that it can point up or down, side to side, and also roll in (pronate) or roll out (supinate.) Taking into consideration it has to do all that while bearing weight makes it easy to understand why arthritic problems are so common.

So what conditions can cause pain in the foot, particularly the top of the foot? The most common is osteoarthritis developing in the mid-foot.

Osteoarthritis is a disease characterized by abnormal cartilage metabolism that eventuates in cartilage loss, inflammation of the joint, and the development of bony spurs. Typically, a patient will complain of pain in the top of the foot. They won't be able to wear shoes that put pressure on the top of the foot. On examination, bony spurs can be palpated. There may be signs of local inflammation.

Conservative management consists of the application of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory preparations and avoidance of footwear that puts pressure on the affected area. While injections of glucocorticoid ('cortisone") may provide temporary relief, in general, the results are not satisfactory.

Recently, the needle tenotomy using ultrasound guidance to remove the spurs, followed by injection of platelet-rich plasma has appeared to be effective for a number of patients. Surgery is usually not recommended.

Gout is another form of arthritis that affects the top of the foot. Here, local steroid injection followed by anti-inflammatory medicines or colchicine to break the acute attack and uric-acid lowering therapies to treat the chronic condition is advised.

Pseudogout can also affect the foot and must be differentiated from gout because the treatment is different.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common cause of pain in the top of the foot. The treatment here is local steroid injection and systemic control of the disease.

Bursitis and tendonitis can also cause pain in the top of the foot. The treatment hinges on an accurate diagnosis. While most of these problems will respond to local glucocorticoid injection, physical therapy, and rest, some require the use of needle tenotomy and platelet-rich plasma.

Twenty years ago, rheumatoid arthritis was a condition that was generally progressive leading to increased disability and even early death.

With the advent of newer biologic therapies approximately seventeen years ago, most patients with rheumatoid arthritis will eventually achieve remission.

However, with that success comes a price. Because of the unique mechanism of action of biologic therapies- targeting specific points in the immune system- one of the logical problems has been side effects related to immune dysfunction.

Among these are an increased susceptibility to infection, increased chance of reactivation of tuberculosis, neurologic syndromes, increased insulin sensitivity in diabetics, elevation of blood lipids, and others.

One of the newer class of compounds that will be arriving on the biologic scene are the protein kinase inhibitor drugs. An example is the JAK - 3 group. These drugs block the signaling that occurs between the surface of immune cells and the nucleus of those cells. The end result is a "crippling" of the ability of the immune cell to over react.

What has been encouraging about these drugs are the following:

• They are oral• They have an entirely different mode of action compared with the other biologics• They also appear to work in patients that have failed tumor necrosis factor inhibitors

Probably, the JAK-3 drug that appears to be furthest along towards the FDA approval process is Pfizer's tofacitinib.

There are drawbacks, as expected. Tofacitinib has been associated with changes in liver and kidney function, elevated blood pressure, reduction in white blood cell counts, and elevation of blood lipids. The latter is not surprising since inflammation and lipid metabolism are intimately associated with each other.

The issue has been... "What do you do about it?"

The answer comes from a study done at the University of Glasgow. Professor Iain McInnes, professor of experimental medicine and rheumatology presented a study in which 111 patients with rheumatoid arthritis enrolled in a tofacitinib study were followed. During the open label part of the trial, patients taking tofacitinib received a cholesterol lowering statin drug. The group who received the stain drug had a 35 per cent lowering of blood lipids versus a 5.8 per cent increase in the placebo group.

The findings of the study were underscored by Dr. McInnes assertion that the elevation of lipids seen with tofacitinib could be reversed by adding the statin.

This is similar to the situation where it is sometimes necessary to add a statin to patients taking another rheumatoid arthritis drug, tocilizumab (Actemra), which also elevates lipids.

Life is a journey and our bodies are the vessel that gets us to our destination. From conception to birth we endured changes and our bodies continue to change as we age. This transformation continues as the years move by, we alter and modify into mature individuals that are susceptible to a number of varies ailments.

As we age, our bodies are weakened and become less resilient. That is why a certain amount of caution should be exercised and should come into play once a certain age is reached. Ever heard the saying, "Prevention is better than cure" well, that is the perfect motto for aging. Once you have reached your twenties or even your thirties you need to start taking extra care of yourself and also start taking preventative measures for certain ailments.

The musculoskeletal system is usually the first area affected with age, which is why exercise is advised and encouraged as we grow older to increase longevity as well as vitality. Exercise strengthens muscles and loosens joints, making you fit as well as giving you sustainable energy. Combine this with good eating practices also avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, over use of drugs and smoking like a chimney then you are well on your way to healthy aging.

The sensory organs are the next thing to be affected with age. A condition called Presbyopia affects most people over the age of forty. The eyes have trouble focusing on close objects though at times this affects the younger generation as well as it may start earlier in some and reading glasses or bifocals are a good solution to this problem. Hearing is also affected due to aging which is why loud music does not hold any appeal to older folk even though they might have loved it when they were younger. This transition happens because of a condition called Presbycusis which is the weakening of our hearing capabilities. Hearing is impaired in some way or form whether it is a slight hearing loss, distortion of sound or deafness. Hearing aids or hearing devices can be used to reduce severity.

Weight changes considerably as we age, up to thirty percent by the time your forties hit and this results in weakening tissue cells resulting in wrinkles as well as those flabby bits. Implementing good skin care routines and keeping hydrated will aid your aging gracefully.

Getting regular check ups from your doctor will help you stay up to date with your body's happenings. Your doctor will take your family history and will study your progress by monitoring any of these hereditary ailments you are at high risk of obtaining. It is important for the doctor to know family history. The doctor will help you take precautions because you are genetically likely to contract one or more of your family's ailments.

Aging is a right of passage and need not be feared. The journey of life must be taken with care free abandon, healthily and with complete fulfillment to be enjoyed. This is how you know you have lived.

As children, we should be able to have fun and enjoy those peaceful times of our life. We should be free to enjoy everything that happens around us from learning about butterflies to doing our first solo bike ride to watching our fathers fix things in the garage. At that time in our lives, we don't think of the future and are allowed to believe that everything will go on as it is today. Yes, we'll get minor illnesses such as mumps, chicken pox, measles and coughs but we'll get through it. Juvenile arthritis, on the other hand, is not so easy to overcome and can be very difficult for children to cope with.

Not Only Grandparents Suffer From Arthritis

Over time we assimilate knowledge of ailments and illnesses and most of us know that arthritis is an affliction that normally affects older people and makes bones and joints ache. What many of us don't know however is that there are over 100 different types of arthritis and one of those is known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) - or juvenile arthritis. This disease is unlike many other types of arthritis as it affects children aged 16 and under. Diagnosed with this condition, children can experience swelling and stiffness for over six weeks. There are three known types of juvenile arthritis, and they are grouped by symptoms, which joints are affected and whether or not blood tests identify specific antibodies.

Half of all children with juvenile arthritis have what is known as Pauciarticular JRA. This affects a maximum of 4 joints. Girls under 8 years old are most prone to developing this type of JRA which normally affects larger joints such as knees or shoulders.

Additionally, roughly a third of all children who suffer from juvenile arthritis suffer from Polyarticular JRA. This tends to affect smaller joints such as in feet and hands. It is important to note here that this type of arthritis affects the identical joint on both sides of the child's body.

Thirdly, as well as joint swelling, systemic JRA can cause minor skin irritation and fever. It can also involve internal organs which could include the heart, spleen and liver. Unfortunately, about 20% of children suffering from juvenile arthritis suffer from systemic JRA.

Care and Causes

Each of the three types of juvenile arthritis are autoimmune diseases. What this means is that the child's body is confusing its own cells and tissues as a threat. This causes the body (or more specifically its immune system) to attack the healthy tissues and cells. It is believed that juvenile arthritis can develop due to both environmental and genetic factors.

There are several symptoms that show whether a child suffers from juvenile arthritis or not. They include:

Constant swelling of the joints

· Continuous stiffness that usually worsens after sleeping

· Eye irritation

· Frequent pain

· Growth problems

· Heart and lung problems

· High fever and minor skin rash

· Limping during the morning

· Problems involving joints in the feet and hands, and knees

· Swelling of nymph nodes

After a successful diagnosis has been made, there are several ways in which juvenile arthritis can be treated. Physical therapy is the first, biologic agents such as etanercerpt, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, alternative and complimentary medicine, corticosteroids and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

As you can imagine, a disease such as juvenile arthritis is very difficult for a child to endure but it is uplifting to know that as diagnoses and treatments get better, the condition will also become more manageable for the child.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Several studies have proven yeast to be directly related to irritation and worsening symptoms of Fibromyalgia pain, Crohn's disease, Arthritis pain, and Autism. Yeast can cause excess swelling and/or pain to these conditions and exaggerate the symptoms of Autism in children and adults.

Fibromyalgia is chronic widespread pain all over the affected persons body, typically in muscle, connective tissue, nerve endings, and joints. It is more than just pain though, it is included with a long list of symptoms like muscle spasms, tingling, nerve pain, weakness, cognitive dysfunction ("Brain Fog"), chronic sleep disturbances, and more. Yeast can increase and exaggerate all of these symptoms.

Crohn's Disease is an inflammatory disease of the intestines (Gastrointestinal Tract) causing a wide variety of symptoms. It primarily causes severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and/or weight loss. Just like with Fibromyalgia, yeast can increase the effects of these symptoms tremendously.

Arthritis is a group of conditions causing damage to the bodies joints. There are over 100 different types of arthritis; to name a few common ones, there is Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Septic Arthritis, Gouty Arthritis, and Juvenile Arthritis. The most commonly associated symptom is pain, however it differs from type to type.

Autism is a development disorder in the brain caused by lack of social interaction and communication and by restrictive and repetitive behavior. Autism is not well understood in the medical world, but does have a strong genetic base. It is not characterized by one symptom, rather by a triad of symptoms including impairments in social interaction, impairments in communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior. All which appear to be worsened by the consumption of yeast.

Arthritis is an extremely painful and potentially debilitating condition, which now affects over one in ten people in the developed world. It can lead to a reduced ability to carry out many of the essential tasks of daily life and often impair the sufferer's ability to do their job of work. There are many different types of arthritis, with varying symptoms, but most types involve some kind of inflammation of the joints, making movement difficult and often painful. It is very important to make a correct diagnosis, in order for the proper treatment to be carried out.

The first step you need to take if you suspect you may have arthritis is to visit a qualified medical practitioner. Usually this will involve referral to a hospital where X ray and blood tests will be performed. Sometimes there will be a specialist on site who will be able to administer more advanced forms of tests and give advice on the spot. Once a diagnosis has been made, there are various treatments that can be applied. The most obvious and crude, of these treatments is the simple pain killing drug, such as aspirin or paracetamol. Aspirin is preferred in many cases as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Many of these basic painkillers are available without prescription, so it vitally important to inform your physician if you intend to take these on top of any prescribed medicine.

Anti inflammatory drugs are vitally important as they not only reduce pain, but also lessen the irreversible damage which is often done to joints when arthritis flares up. These are the most common form of treatment prescribed for arthritis and come in two basic types. NSAIDs, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are very common, but it takes a prolonged period of use for them to become effective. There have also been serious concerns expressed about the side effects of these drugs and the potential stomach problems that they can cause. Steroids are synthetic hormones, which mirror natural substances found in the body, but in artificial form the body tolerates them poorly. Steroids are extremely powerful medicines and are usually used in the initial stages of treatment, before other, less overpowering, treatments are employed.

As arthritis is a condition which affects the joints, it is important to consider different forms of exercise and forms of rest between exercise and how they will affect your specific condition. Arthritis sufferers are usually best advised to exercise daily, in order to prevent joints from seizing up and becoming stiff. As a form of general exercise, swimming is especially beneficial to the arthritis sufferer - as the weight of the body is distributed throughout the water, rather than being concentrated on the limbs and joints, as it is with so many other forms of exercise. This makes the movement of the joints a lot easier and reduces the pressure on points, which can be very painful if overburdened.

Exercises done in water are now routinely available at hospitals. Water is a great help for many arthritis sufferers, as the warmth of the water helps stiff joints to move. It is even possible to perform muscle-strengthening exercises under water. This a good idea as strong muscles help joints to move more smoothly, reducing the pain from arthritis naturally and with only positive side effects. These kinds of water-based treatments are highly recommended and may reduce the arthritis patient's need for powerful synthetic drugs with severe side effects.